Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Somehow, I was okay with that.
Una sat with Roisin, spooning her some soup and talking to her quietly. Sully had found a shop close by and brought the soup as well as some decent coffee. The three of us sipped the dark brew, not saying much. Roisin was still pale and weak, but better. Talking easier. Eating in addition to all the sleeping.
“I have to get back,” Sully said, sounding regretful. “The practice is busy. I have a huge caseload.”
Niall nodded. “We appreciate you coming. I know Mum did as well.”
“I’ll keep close tabs when she is released.”
“We’re arranging around-the-clock care,” I muttered, my eyes locked on Una. Her hair gleamed in the dim light, and the sound of her voice was like a balm to my soul.
Roisin was eating up her attention, having given me a pointed look when we had walked back into the room. I had bent down to kiss her, and her whispered, “Not so complicated now, eh, boy?” made me grin.
I knew Una and I had a lot to talk about. The past, the future. Our relationship. Her damn brother.
But for now, she was here, and I was content.
“Okay, Finn?”
I shook my head, looking at Niall. “Sorry, was lost in thought.”
“Sully and I are staying here for the night. You take Una to the hotel. Come back in the morning, and I’ll go there then. Sully is heading back to Edinburgh tomorrow afternoon.”
“Are you sure? I can stay and you take Una to the hotel and make sure she gets to my room.”
Niall and Sully chuckled. “Right.”
I rolled my eyes. “We are both here for Roisin. She didn’t fly all this way to be ‘ravished,’ as you stated earlier. I am quite capable of controlling myself.”
Sully laughed. “Then yer blind, mate. She keeps eyeing you from under those lashes. Imagining, no doubt, what you’ll do when you’re alone.”
Just then, Una began to sing. Perched on the edge of Roisin’s bed, holding her hand, she was singing one of my aunt’s favorite Celtic songs, her voice low and sweet in the room. Roisin’s eyes were shut, and she smiled, looking peaceful and content. My heart swelled in gratitude for Una’s tender care toward her. The three of us tried, but we failed at the gentle stuff.
“Jesus, never mind,” Sully muttered. “I’ll take her to the hotel.”
“Feck off,” I replied. “She’s mine.”
“She looks like that, sings, and loves you?” He clapped my shoulder. “Lucky bastard.”
“I know.” I shut my eyes, listening to the beauty of Una’s voice. The way she wove the lyrics and music, making it almost swirl around the room.
“I think I’ll take you up on that offer,” I announced.
Niall smirked. “As if there was any doubt.”
Sully groaned. “How about you and Niall go to the hotel? Leave me the singing angel. I could listen to her all night.”
“Nope,” I replied, staring at Una, suddenly needing her alone. “She’s coming with me.”
Sully sighed. “Like I said, lucky bastard.”
He was right.
Una sat back, cupping her cheek in her hand, resting her elbow on the arm of the overstuffed chair in our hotel room. While she’d showered, I’d ordered some sandwiches and tea, grabbing my own shower once she sat down to eat. I pulled on some sleep pants. She wore the dressing gown the hotel provided, her red hair an explosion of color against the white terry towel.
“Have you had enough?”
She smiled. “The tea is lovely and the tart delicious.”
“You only ate half a sandwich.”
“I had some food earlier. Really, Finn—don’t fuss. I’m fine.”
I leaned close. “I get to fuss now. I get to do anything I want, right, Una?”
She laughed. “No. I am not giving you free rein. You’ll have me locked in your suite, spoiling me, no doubt pregnant, married, and chained to the stove before I can even blink.”
“Not true,” I replied, my eyes dancing at her teasing. “I’d get you a cook.”
She smiled, reaching out and tapping my nose. “Funny man.”
I grabbed her hand, kneeling in front of her in the chair. “You’re here. I’m thrilled. We’re going to sort out the situation here, then head back to Canada and figure out how to entwine our lives again. I am perfectly fine with you moving in right away. I love the thought of marrying you…and, frankly, thinking of you pregnant with my child? I want to throw you down right here and start.”
Her eyes widened to the point of hilarity.
“But,” I added, “I know we need to take it a step at a time. As long as you are part of my life, Una, we’ll figure out the steps. I want you happy.”
“I want you happy too.”
I turned my head, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Mo chroí, I have you back. I am happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I was so scared after what happened. So sure we were better off without each other. That I wouldn’t have to carry the guilt of being the reason for your death.” She swallowed. “I couldn’t even admit to myself how much I missed you. It felt as if you had died at times. It felt as if I had as well.” Her voice trembled. “And I was so selfish, Finn.”